FASHION Magazine

beauty

Toronto Beauty Reporter: Barberella Salon

Feeling girlie? Check out this oh-so-cute salon.

By Lesa Hannah

Photography by Nicole Babin

Great boutiques aren’t the only draw on the increasingly cool Dundas West strip. We literally stopped in our tracks as we passed by Barberella Salon (891 Dundas St. W., 416-408-0440) because it’s quite possibly the most adorable salon we’ve ever laid eyes on. Eschewing what they consider to be the “modern and pretentious” interiors of other salons, owners/stylists Taraleigh Wallace and Shelley Ring instead use vanities as hair stations, keep their products in an antique armoire and have a chandelier hanging over the shampoo chairs. “We just want people to know we’re girlie—we get you. Women can come by and play,” says Wallace, citing Dolly Parton’s beauty parlour in Steel Magnolias as an inspiration. They also aimed to keep the vibe warm and intimate, which is why they’re the only two who work there, not just cutting and colouring but also shampooing and answering the phone. “We didn’t want clients to be passed from one person to another,” Wallace says. Ring adds, “It doesn’t seem like they get enough attention.” That’s right—make it all about us.

First published in FASHION Magazine September 2006

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Tracey Lewis writes:

I am looking for a salon to give me a great cut and highlights. Can you recommend a salon? A place in Toronto where the models that look so gorgeous in your magazine get theirs done-including your fantastic editor.

—posted September 4, 2006 at 10:53 p.m.

Christine Walewski, on-line editor writes:

Hi Tracey,
Toronto's Angst Hair (240 Queen St. E.) is our editor-in-chief Ceri Marsh's favourite spot.

—posted September 5, 2006 at 12:54 p.m.

Michael Toore writes:

Can you recommend a salon for men in Toronto? I'm a regular at high-end salons and they do an excellent job, but once home I can NEVER (not even close) recreate the style.

—posted September 18, 2006 at 5:58 p.m.

Patti writes:

I can honestly say that Barberella is the best - Taraleigh is my stylist there and she always makes sure that I like what she's done. She'll snip and trim until my hair is sitting just right and show me how I can get the look at home. Everthing from the salon's decor to the stylist's wardrobe fits within their brand positioning - an eclectic, inviting salon experience indeed! I wouldn't go anywhere else...

—posted October 24, 2006 at 10:01 a.m.

rina writes:

do you happen to know the prices of the hair services?

or a link to the barberella salon website?

thanks

—posted April 21, 2008 at 9:50 p.m.

Audrey writes:

do you know hours of operation?

thanks

—posted June 9, 2008 at 9:07 a.m.

Jennifer Campbell, online editor writes:

Hi Audrey and Rina,

I'm not sure of Barberella's hours or prices, but you should definitely give them a call to get the most up to date info: 891 Dundas St. W., 416-408-0440.

—posted June 9, 2008 at 3:33 p.m.